YOUR local
YOUR GOOD-NEWS PAPER ISSUE 003 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017
www.yourlocalwaggaweekly.com.au pennie scott “WHEN the going gets tough, that’s when we grow the most, although, at the time, we aren’t aware of it”, explained Joe Williams. “The usual thoughts when we are in those periods are we wish the pain would go away.” “For some people, ending the pain is by committing suicide. In 2012, I thought that was my only option when I tried to kill myself.” Joe William’s story is rich, sad, funny, tragic and inspiring. His autobiography “Defying the Enemy Within” goes to print this week and will be published by ABC Books. Identified at the age of 13 by rugby league legend, Arty Beetson, Joe was signed by the Sydney Roosters in their Under 20 team, played for the Rabbitohs and finally for the Bulldogs and Panthers. “There is a production system players get on when at the elite level of rugby league as the game is a business which has to make money. I had natural talent for the game hence the early sign-up. I’m lucky to have experienced the full system, although it nearly killed me,” Joe said. “The physical damage initiated an addiction to prescription drugs although the mental pain wasn’t recognised as another type of injury.” “Many say rugby league gave me my (high) profile but on the other hand, it also nearly killed me.” Joe was born in Cowra and is a proud First Nation’s Wiradjuri man who grew up in a household where love and compassion were the norm. “My parents gave me the background and upbringing which make me the person I am today,” he said. “We were taught by example to put people before ourselves, which is our traditional way; and to practice kindness to everyone.” “This is in contrast to when I was playing rugby league where you are an individual and the advice was to be look after your own needs first. I didn’t realise this was a conflict causing friction in my mind and took years to finally identify. “While playing league, I became addicted to prescription and recreational drugs and alcohol; I was using them to mask huge pains and traumas affecting my life, but I couldn’t put my finger on how and where they started,” Joe said. After his career in rugby league, Joe took up boxing with coach, Johnny Lewis, who also coached Jeff Fenech and Kostya Tsyzu. “When I started boxing I learned literally and metaphorically to fight against the demons in my head,” Joe explained. “My father, who also had played first grade league, understood my situation as he too had been through this system. “Johnny Lewis taught me how to run through a wall; he motivates you to do anything. • continued on page 2
• 16 page Real Estate liftout • Horse Racing Guide - page 16 • Destination Riverina Murray - page 7 • Living Well - page 9